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Simple Money: A No-Nonsense Guide to Personal Finance
When it comes to money management, most of us take a hands-off approach because we're just not confident that we have the know-how needed. But personal finance is actually more "personal" than it is "finance." Tim Maurer has made a career out of distilling complex financial concepts into understandable, doable actions. In this eminently practical book, he shows readers how to
- better understand their values and goals in order to simplify their money decisions
- budget major expenses intelligently
- reduce and eliminate debt
- make vital decisions on home, auto, and life insurance
- establish a world-class investment portfolio
- craft a workable retirement plan
- and more
Readers will be relieved to see that managing their money is actually not as complicated as they thought--and that they can take control of their financial future starting today.
- better understand their values and goals in order to simplify their money decisions
- budget major expenses intelligently
- reduce and eliminate debt
- make vital decisions on home, auto, and life insurance
- establish a world-class investment portfolio
- craft a workable retirement plan
- and more
Readers will be relieved to see that managing their money is actually not as complicated as they thought--and that they can take control of their financial future starting today.
286 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
81 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 8, 2016
This might be my most biased review--I wrote the book--but I do believe the work stands on its own, objectively. This is because (I believe) it's the first comprehensive personal finance book to extrapolate the brilliance of behavioral finance in every day language, applying it to every day living.
For years, I've droned on that "Personal finance is more personal than it is finance," a slogan that earned nods within the financial advisory and educational community for its anecdotal resonance. But "Simple Money" was born because of my discovery that behavioral finance proves the slogan is scientific fact.
This is especially important because the way that most personal finance counsel is conveyed is in sharp contrast to these findings. Indeed, most money gurus (and too many financial advisors) still rely on the motivational mechanism that has been proven ineffective--the patronizing, condescending, judgmental carrot-and-stick method.
The this-worked-for-me-and-you're-stupid-if-you-don't-do-it-my-way program works. Until it doesn't. "Simple Money" seeks to help you find motivation from within--instead of relying on a rigid set of compulsory edicts, whose effectiveness if more likely to wane.
But how, exactly, is the deep and wide subject matter of money management made simple? In short, dealing with money is complex because we are complex. Therefore, it is in better understanding ourselves that even the most confounding financial decisions can be made simple. Or, at least, simpler!
For years, I've droned on that "Personal finance is more personal than it is finance," a slogan that earned nods within the financial advisory and educational community for its anecdotal resonance. But "Simple Money" was born because of my discovery that behavioral finance proves the slogan is scientific fact.
This is especially important because the way that most personal finance counsel is conveyed is in sharp contrast to these findings. Indeed, most money gurus (and too many financial advisors) still rely on the motivational mechanism that has been proven ineffective--the patronizing, condescending, judgmental carrot-and-stick method.
The this-worked-for-me-and-you're-stupid-if-you-don't-do-it-my-way program works. Until it doesn't. "Simple Money" seeks to help you find motivation from within--instead of relying on a rigid set of compulsory edicts, whose effectiveness if more likely to wane.
But how, exactly, is the deep and wide subject matter of money management made simple? In short, dealing with money is complex because we are complex. Therefore, it is in better understanding ourselves that even the most confounding financial decisions can be made simple. Or, at least, simpler!
August 31, 2017
This book is exactly what it promises to be - a straightforward, easy to understand guide to the complex world of personal finance. Tim shares a lot of similar ideology with Dave Ramsey but also has enough of a different take on certain things that it doesn't feel like you're just reading a book someone else has already written. Several of the concepts and tools he shares are new to me (which is not an easy feat because I read a lot of personal finance books!) and I found them to be very helpful ways in which to examine my personal financial life in a new light. Overall this is a money book I'd definitely recommend and if you need a solid book to get you started on the right path, this is a great option!
Favorite Quote:"In most cases, the changes required to see goals through are sacrifices. Often they are sacrifices borne by folks other than you. The reward doesn't come until after the sacrifice, and sometimes no externally apparent reward ever comes. But that is the worthy price of following your dreams."
Favorite Quote:"In most cases, the changes required to see goals through are sacrifices. Often they are sacrifices borne by folks other than you. The reward doesn't come until after the sacrifice, and sometimes no externally apparent reward ever comes. But that is the worthy price of following your dreams."
March 5, 2020
I find this book being both inspirative and enlighting because of the two aspects:
1. the ability to break down the seemingly difficult and headache-making terms and conditions for the financial decisions and personal finance management into the understandable topics and steps;
2. understanding the psychological aspect - that the personal finances are more personal than financial! When understanding what drives you, you can manage your decisions to serve your best interests (which might not be the impulses to buy the next shiny thing :)).
I do not live in the U.S., so I can not really comment on the usefulness of the information provided (or at least the most of them, as same terms work on the similar principle), yet I can attest that the infos are understandable and the philosophy/strategy is sound in my opinion.
And I plan to use some of the knowledge in my finance planning.
1. the ability to break down the seemingly difficult and headache-making terms and conditions for the financial decisions and personal finance management into the understandable topics and steps;
2. understanding the psychological aspect - that the personal finances are more personal than financial! When understanding what drives you, you can manage your decisions to serve your best interests (which might not be the impulses to buy the next shiny thing :)).
I do not live in the U.S., so I can not really comment on the usefulness of the information provided (or at least the most of them, as same terms work on the similar principle), yet I can attest that the infos are understandable and the philosophy/strategy is sound in my opinion.
And I plan to use some of the knowledge in my finance planning.
February 22, 2024
Tim does a great job focusing his writing on goals, mindset, and values rather than just money. He really goes into detail about how personal someone's finances are and how to get their values aligned with their money. He also goes into areas I haven't thought too much about like how to be more prepared for death and possible disability. I appreciated that in addition to contributing to a 401k, Roth IRA, Emergency Fund, Tim also encouraged investing in a taxable brokerage account to handle mid term savings goals which is something I completely agree with. Great financial book. A solid 4/5.
August 15, 2022
I’ve read quite a few personal finance books and this ranks near the top of the list. Many books of this nature advocate one-size-fits-all approaches to managing money and building wealth. While some principles are certainly universal regardless of the situation, the key to money management is keeping the “personal” in personal finance. Maurer does this beautifully and in a way that is simple and understandable for the average reader. Highly recommend.
August 20, 2025
Overall, the book was a little dry in my opinion. It also wasn’t that relevant for me as a lot of chapters were more US-specific. My favourite chapter was the one on the three guarantees: having a margin, change, and failure.
Besides that, I loved the prompts in this book as it makes you stop and reflect after reading certain key chapters. To truly remember what we have read, I find that it is importantly to “act” instead of just trying to remember the theories.
Besides that, I loved the prompts in this book as it makes you stop and reflect after reading certain key chapters. To truly remember what we have read, I find that it is importantly to “act” instead of just trying to remember the theories.
November 15, 2016
Easy read
This book lives up to its title. The author is capable of taking complex financial topics and simplify them for the average Joe. He touches on every major personal finance topic and stresses the fact that personal finance is personal and that's how we should approach our finances.
This book lives up to its title. The author is capable of taking complex financial topics and simplify them for the average Joe. He touches on every major personal finance topic and stresses the fact that personal finance is personal and that's how we should approach our finances.
September 26, 2019
If I had to recommend just one personal finance book to someone, it would be this one. I loved the focus on finding your "Enough", and the inclusion of behavioral finance concepts and ideas about money scripts. Comprehensive and high-level but with good summaries that help you figure out what action to take.
December 29, 2025
Muy directo y sencillo, como promete el autor, pero olvido mencionar que el libro esta dirigido al público estadunidense. Me gusta la estructura de libro de texto que te hace reflexionar y te da ejemplos prácticos. Pero creo que los detalles más interesantes tienen poca profundidad
July 27, 2018
US centric, but interesting philosophy at the start of the book. Some good points
December 17, 2018
This book was exactly what I was looking for. I had read other finance books but nothing fit what I needed. I especially liked that he didn't try to sell me on other books it products of his.
January 8, 2020
Comprehensive and simple. I agree with everything written and it is a very good overview.
April 7, 2016
I received a copy for review through NetGalley and found it a straightforward and useful book. The author begins by discussing the fact that the way we save and spend is based on emotion and beliefs about money, not logic. Therefore, many have trouble making good choices and following structured plans. As a result, he believes that any plan should be driven by you, rather than a purposed expert. The expert's role should only be to advise, answer questions, remind, nudge, and provide information.
The first part of the book is dedicated to helping the reader identify beliefs about money that underlie behavior. The development of goals (which may be non-financial) is also discussed. Then he goes into the basics of personal finance, beginning with getting a feel for where the reader stands financially and in life satisfaction. This is not a book about which bank account to choose or how to negotiate down credit card interest rates. This is a book about figuring out what motivates you around money, where you are in comparison to where you want to be, and some key techniques to get you there.
Overall I found it a refreshing take that was straightforward, avoiding overly detailed or technical material, and actionable. He refers to other sources and makes it easy to find them for more information or to use their services if there is an area one wants to explore more. I'd recommend this book for most people interested in having a simple process to reach their financial goals. Those who love the detail and who are looking for specific techniques are still likely to benefit, but are unlikely to find what they're looking for here.
The first part of the book is dedicated to helping the reader identify beliefs about money that underlie behavior. The development of goals (which may be non-financial) is also discussed. Then he goes into the basics of personal finance, beginning with getting a feel for where the reader stands financially and in life satisfaction. This is not a book about which bank account to choose or how to negotiate down credit card interest rates. This is a book about figuring out what motivates you around money, where you are in comparison to where you want to be, and some key techniques to get you there.
Overall I found it a refreshing take that was straightforward, avoiding overly detailed or technical material, and actionable. He refers to other sources and makes it easy to find them for more information or to use their services if there is an area one wants to explore more. I'd recommend this book for most people interested in having a simple process to reach their financial goals. Those who love the detail and who are looking for specific techniques are still likely to benefit, but are unlikely to find what they're looking for here.
April 27, 2016
I really enjoyed and appreciated this book. Finance is not my strength, but I am midway through life at this point, even then I was able to take away so much from these chapters. I found it to be simple to read, easy to follow and overall enjoyable. It inspired me to give so much more thought to my life and my financial practices, that I've decided to pass this on to my 18 year old who is graduating high school next month. We will be discussing each and every chapter. I am eager to hear what he takes away from it, and I think he will be surprised to enjoy it and learn from it, hopefully better preparing him for the road ahead.
December 30, 2016
It is indeed a simple and useful guide for money matters.
Specially, I liked the section of insurances, that finally got me to undertand how they work (and how to buy one appropriate for me).
The goal oriented and all other stuff was much in line with Ramit Sethi teachings, so all is good there.
And this is the first book that got me thinking into my estate planning.
Yeah, it does not dwelve on the details, like making a proper budget and stuff like that, but he covers more material, from a higher view.
I really can say that this book has been helpful for me, given its focus on the macro stuff rather than the details.
Specially, I liked the section of insurances, that finally got me to undertand how they work (and how to buy one appropriate for me).
The goal oriented and all other stuff was much in line with Ramit Sethi teachings, so all is good there.
And this is the first book that got me thinking into my estate planning.
Yeah, it does not dwelve on the details, like making a proper budget and stuff like that, but he covers more material, from a higher view.
I really can say that this book has been helpful for me, given its focus on the macro stuff rather than the details.
March 14, 2016
I have followed Tim's advice on financial planning through his weekly e-mails, Forbes and Twitter and saw improvements to my finances throughout. His book Simple Money has given me further insight on how to really understand what financial planning is and how it involves more than just finances. It can be understood by the novice and appreciated by the most knowledgeable financial planners. I love the analogies throughout the book which help me to visualize the concept he is explaining and I'm ready to embark on my road to Enough. A must read!
January 20, 2025
I like the way Maurer structures this book by first breaking it down into purposeful sections that are both broad in scope to understand the why or purpose of life and finances, and then presenting each chapter with a clear summary at the start of the main points, and driving it home at the end with bullet point conclusions and some questions to consider. It makes some challenging topics less confusing and provided a framework for considering my own financial needs. If you aren't sure where to start, you wouldn't go wrong with this one.
April 17, 2016
Review on Retirement Savvy Dot Net http://wp.me/p3JVpt-1WV
December 14, 2016
This is a great book. It is explains things in really simple terms.
April 27, 2016
Brilliant stuff!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews